KIGALI - Karongi District, Western Province and the Commune of Dieulefit, in France, have signed a pact that seeks to strengthening the relations between the two communities.

The Mayor of Karongi, Bernard Kayumba, signed on behalf of his district while Christine Priotto on behalf of the Commune of Dieulefit.

The ceremony that took place at City Hall of Dieulefit was attended by member of European Parliament, Michele Rivasi, , General Councilor of St. Donat Canton, Jean-Louis Bonnet, the  Mayor of Arthémonay, and the president of ‘Intore za Dieulefit’ Association in Dieulefit, Anne Marie TRUC.

According to a statement issued by the Rwandan Embassy in Paris, the ceremony was also graced by lawmaker, Ezechias Rwabuhihi and Rwanda’s Ambassador to France, Jacques Kabale.

Rwanda and France restored their diplomatic relations last year, three years after the two countries severed ties following indictments issued by a French Judge against nine Rwanda government officials.

During the function, a message from the French Foreign Minister, Bernard Kouchner, was read.

Kabale, on behalf of President Paul Kagame, handed to Carbonare Marguerite, the Medal of Honor "UMURINZI - medal of the campaign against Genocide” attributed, posthumously, on July 4, 2010 liberation Day, to her late husband, Jean Carbonare.

This distinction was awarded to Carbonare for his commitment to justice, opposition to discrimination and Genocide.

"He was the first to sound the alarm across Europe, warning the international community that a Genocide against the Tutsi was underway and did not hesitate to mobilize the media and policy makers for immediate action; first to prevent the Genocide, to stop it and then finally, through his unwavering faith, to rebuild Rwanda,” reads the statement.

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